Arne Slot is insistent that Curtis Jones remains part of Liverpool’s plans into next season amid transfer interest and a contract heading into its final 12 months.
The 24-year-old was of interest to Inter during the January window and has been linked to Tottenham as he nears the end of his current contract, which expires in 2027.
He has been in and out of Slot’s starting lineups this season, and is currently on a run on the periphery of the XI after five appearances off the bench across the last six games.
With only 18 months left on his contract, the club and the player are at an important juncture, but Slot was insistent that Jones is part of Liverpool’s plans for next season.
“He is a Liverpool player and I think I have said this a few times, he is good enough to play for us, to start for us,” Slot told reporters, including the Echo.
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Curtis Jones is challenged by Internazionale Milano's Marcus Thuram (L) during the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He is a very good player, but the only line where we don’t have issues is the midfield and he has been playing the last 18 months more than he ever has in his time at Liverpool.
“So that tells you a lot about the development he has made.
“But he is also in competition with a lot of players that I also like and they have done very well for this club as well.
“So, yeah, he will be part of our plans for the upcoming weeks, months and also for next season.”
After Slot recently admitted it would have been “strange” to sell Jones to Inter while the squad was besieged by injury, there will still be concern over the No. 17 in the summer, when his contract enters its final 12 months.
It is a feeling that will linger, with question marks also hanging over the head coach’s future after a turbulent campaign.
Arne Slot explains why “big clubs” are eyeing Curtis Jones
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones is substituted off during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As for why Inter felt an encouragement to open lines of communication with Liverpool over Jones, Slot explained how the club’s sustainability model entices clubs to try and strike a deal.
Slot said: “I think it is perfectly normal that very good football players are in the interest of big clubs, like us, trying to extend with him and clubs wanting to sign him.
“And if you go to the end of your contract, I think it is also normal that other big clubs think: ‘Hmmm, maybe there’s a deal to be done’. Because, and I am saying this every time I am standing here lately, you know our model.
“Other clubs know our model as well, so other clubs might think: ‘Okay, there is no use calling them because they don’t sell’, we have a different model.
“So that could be the reason why there has been some links with other clubs.”